When I had the opportunity to study abroad during college I jumped at the chance. Admittedly, as a student studying the socio-political landscape of Latin America, it was almost a given that I would make that choice. But I was certainly not alone – and today the trend is on the rise. Each year, more and more university students choose to travel, learn and explore in a new geographic and cultural context. Whether a short term summer program, or a full year of immersion, over 325,000 US college students participate in study abroad programs annually.

The rewards from this educational investment have been demonstrated and measured as students with study abroad experience are hired quicker and paid better than their peers. The business world clearly values individuals who bring a global perspective to the interview table.

What are the benefits of integrating travel into your employee experience?

ATTRACT AND RETAIN YOUNG WORKERS // By 2020, almost half of the U.S. workforce will be composed of millennials. This generation has indicated they are willing to take a pay cut of $7,600 to improve their “quality of work life.” This includes offering opportunities to travel, to reflect their interest in engaging with a diverse range of cultures.

BOOST WORKER SATISFACTION AND PRODUCTIVITY // Travel, engaging in meaningful experiences, and giving back outside of work has the potential to boost employee happiness, which has been linked to increases in productivity. Gallup found that only 33% of employees are engaged at work, costing U.S. businesses $483 to $605 billion per year. Employers can capitalize on the links between impact travel and engagement to boost employee productivity.

Ultimately, the same employees so sought after by employers for their savvy college travel experiences don’t lose their wanderlust when they sign up for a 9-5. Giving employees opportunities to cultivate a global perspective even before they achieve sabbatical status has powerful payoffs for both the employee’s personal fulfillment and for the company’s bottom line.

What does prioritizing travel opportunities look like in practice? This can be different for each team – perhaps it might include increasing vacation time available for employees and incentivizing them to take it by making it a required practice, or even providing an annual travel stipend. Or, a company can partner with an organization like Ignite, which will seamlessly integrate travel into their suite of employee benefits and professional development opportunities. Regardless of how you choose to integrate travel, scratching the travel “itch” for employees who want to cultivate an international perspective and explore new cultures can have a powerful ROI for employers who want an engaged and motivated workforce, filled with global citizens.

Stephanie is the Director of Marketing for Ignite (experienceignite.com) where she helps companies engage & develop employees through experiences that improve the world. Prior to joining Ignite, she led Marketing and Communications work at Ignite's philanthropic partner, Spark Ventures, for over five years. She previously held roles supporting international microfinance organizations at the Grameen Foundation's Human Capital Center and at Pro Mujer, and worked with social sector organizations in Argentina. Stephanie received her BA from Columbia University in New York City, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s Committee on International Relations and is fluent in Spanish.

The Thrive Global Community welcomes voices from many spheres. We publish pieces written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Learn more or join us as a community member!

Share your comments below. Please read our commenting guidelines before posting. If you have a concern about a comment, report it here.

Story Time: My Failed Attempt to Study Abroad

Sign up for the Thrive Global newsletter

“People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills . . . There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind. . . . So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.”